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/ 


A LETTER 

FROM THE 


/os*} 



COUNTESS OF NITHSDALE, 

, ' ♦ 

Sfc. 


WITH REMARKS 


BY 


SHEFFIELD GRACE, Esq. F.S.A. 


Splendide mendax.— TIOR. 


> ) 
) ) ) 


LONDON: 


MDCCCXXVI I. 


JIAi/i 

. A (rtf? 


205449 

’13 



Printed by J. Rider, Little Britain. 


TO THE MOST NOBLE 


MARY, 

MARCHIONESS OF CHANDOS 

WHOSE NAME AND DISPOSITION 
ASSOCIATE WITH WHATEVER IS 
VIRTUOUS, GENEROUS, OR CHIVALROUS, 

IN SENTIMENT OR EXPLOIT, 

THE FOLLOWING LITTLE NARRATIVE, 
ILLUSTRATIVE OF CONJUGAL HEROISM, 

IS INSCRIBED, 

WITH FEELINGS OF UNAFFECTED RESPECT, BY 


SHEFFIELD GRACE 

















































' 


' 

. 












•» 














* . 







• • ■ ; 

















































PRELIMINARY REMARKS. 


The following unpublished letter* by the Countess 
of Nithsdale is interesting in several points of view. 
One of the chief, arises from the charming picture 
it displays of conjugal affection : for it contains 
a plain statement illustrative of that self-devotion 
which women often evince when called upon to 
act in the cause of their husbands or of their 
children. Traits similar in kind, although dif¬ 
ferent in degree, are every day forcing themselves on 
our attention. An escape is, 1 think, mentioned by 
Herodotus, conducted nearly in the same manner as 
that which forms the chief subject of this letter ; and 
Lavalette’s affair is still fresh in every body’s memory. 
The causes of Lord Nithsdale’s imprisonment in the 
Tower of London, are contained in History, and in the 
State Trials. I shall not therefore recapitulate them here. 
The particulars of his escape, told with so much sim- 

* Though this interesting letter has hitherto escaped publication 
in this publishing age, numerous copies of it in MS. appear to be 
extant. The Lord Stowell, the bishop of St. Asaph (Dr. Luxmore), 
the Right Hon. Charles Bathurst, of Lydney Park, and Mr. Charles 
Butler, of Lincoln’s Inn, informed me that they have perused it 
in that state. I saw at Cossey a transcript of it, from the pen of 
the accomplished and admired Lady Stafford; and Lady Eleanor 
Butler and Miss Ponsonby, of Llangollen Vale, told me that they 
likewise possess a copy, together with part of the female apparel 
in which Lord Nithsdale effected his escape. My friend, Mr. John 
Gage, brother of Sir Thomas Gage, of Hengrave, has also a copy; 
aud I understand that another is to be found among the many 
curious and valuable Clumber MSS. belonging to his Grace the 
Duke of Newcastle. The exemplary virtues of Lady Nithsdale, 
as a wife and as a mother, must command the admiration of the 
wise and the good; and of these, none assuredly can, from a high sense 
of honor, and generous private feelings, be more capable of appre¬ 
ciating her worth than the noble representative of the truly ancient 
and illustrious house of Clinton. 


6 


plicity, and with such a natural description of the 
feelings which agitated his Countess, cannot fail to affect 
every sensitive mind. Without the least pretence to 
fine writing, Lady Nithsdale describes, in the plainest 
manner, her own conduct, and the sensations that 
accompanied it on a very trying occasion, and without 
studying to gain the sympathies of the reader, she does 
so in every line. Her own pen proves how much more 
powerful is simple and natural language than the 
trickery of the rhetorician, who endeavours to excite 
emotions to which his own bosom is a stranger. With 
the latter, the reader of taste can have no other 
sympathy than that of indifference; but on perusing 
Lady Nithsdale’s letter, it will be difficult to find the 
affectionate wife, or even any ordinary person, who does 
not share her fears and anxieties, and participate in 
her triumph over the most appalling difficulties. 

The unchivalrous character of George I. is not a 
little conspicuous in this letter. Whatever may be the 
sacrifices of feeling that the politician must at times 
make to the stability of Government, it is not easy 
to conceive a being so rugged as to spurn a high-born 
and lovely woman, who, decked with a crown of im¬ 
perishable virtue herself, condescends even to implore 
the mercy of a mere thing of velvet and ermine. Yet 
such was the king. The errors of Lord Nithsdale (if 
so they may be called) originated in an honourable 
attachment to the religion of his ancestors, coupled 
with a devotedness to a family, which, in most instances, 
lost the loyalty of its subjects with the means of bestow¬ 
ing personal benefits. But surely the faults of Lord 
Nithsdale attached not to his Countess, for nothing- 
can be more distinct than the duties of husband and 
wife; and it is scarcely possible to suppose the most 
enthusiastic Whig in principle to do otherwise than 
admire the conduct of Lady Nithsdale. 


I 


If we here contemplate a man in the rich possession 
of a wife, whose affections were neither to be chilled 
by adversity, nor paralyzed by the dread of personal 
sufferings, we may also indulge a confident belief that 
the virtues of so enviable a being were not unworthy 
of this supremest of earthly blessings. As honor 
and affection so strikingly influenced their respective 
actions, such qualities, doubtless, likewise formed the 
basis of their union; and the mother* of this high- 
minded and exemplary woman must indeed have been 
widely opposed in sentiments to that mother whose 
sordid views, in another narrative from real life,f induced 
an only daughter to abjure her plighted faith, scarcely 
twelve hours after explicitly sanctioning distinct acknow¬ 
ledgments of mutual attachment made on the preceding 
day, and suggested by herself alone. 

It is gratifying to reflect that Lady JNithsdale’s virtuous 
achievements were rewarded, not only by possessing the 
precious and unextinguishable solace of an approving 
conscience, that t{ one thing truly needful” to real 
happiness, even in this life, but also by enjoying thirty- 
three additional years of honorable existence and domes¬ 
tic felicity. She died at Rome in 1749, where Lord 
Nithsdale also died in 1744. 

I cannot here forbear remarking, how forcibly the 
details in the following letter evince the vast importance 
of original documents. Lord Nithsdale’s escape was 
one of the most popular and universally interesting 
occurrences of the day. The particulars were well 
known in every courtly circle throughout Europe, and 
as the Maxwell and Herbert families were nearly con¬ 
nected by blood with the most illustrious houses in these 
countries, we may naturally suppose that personal 
feelings were not a little excited on the occasion. 
But even this extreme degree of ephemeral notoriety 


* See Note ", page 11. 


+ See Appendix. 


r* 


8 

has proved no security against subsequent misrepresen¬ 
tation. All historians necessarily notice the prominent 
part which this spirited and virtuous Nobleman took 
in the Scottish transactions of 1715. Smollet, in con¬ 
clusion, states, that he “made his escape in woman’s 
apparel, furnished and conveyed to him by his own 
mother .” And most writers inform us, that on hearing of 
it, the king, so far from manifesting dissatisfaction, even 
expressed a generous wish that the other prisoners had 
escaped in a similar manner. The accuracy of these asser¬ 
tions is best met by the uncontrovertible evidence of the 
following original document. Such a document renders 
all comment superfluous. I will not therefore dwell 
longer upon it, and in now offering it to the reader, I 
have merely to inform him that I met the original among 
a highly interesting collection of MSS. at Wardour 
Castle, while on a visit to my noble and accomplished 
friend Lord Arundel.* The copy from which this is 
printed, is transcribed from one taken direct from the 
original letter, and in the perfect correctness of that 
copy, I repose implicit reliance. It only remains for 
me to add, that the lively interest it created in the 
enlightened and estimable circles of Stowe, Bowood, 
Westdean, Holkam, and Stoneleigh,^ and the very 
numerous, and too frequently the fruitless, applications 

* Everard Arundel tenth Lord Arundel of Wardour, and a Count 
of the sacred Roman Empire, married Mary only sister of the Duke 
of Buckingham aud Chandos and of Lord Nugent. All who are 
honoured by the friendship of this noble Peer well know, that while 
elegant acquirements and intrinsic worth are appreciated, he must be 
both respected and beloved. Henry the sixth Lord Arundel, having, 
iu 1726, married Anne, daughter of William Herbert second Marquis 
of Powis, and niece of Lady Nithsdale and of Lady Lucy Herbert, 
became possessed of this letter aud of other original MSS. now 
deposited among the family evidences of the house of Arundel. 

+ The seats of the Duke of Buckingham & Chandos, the Marquis 
of Lansdowue, the Lord Selsey, Tiros. W. Coke, Esq. and Chandos 
Leigh, Esq. 


9 


which have been made for its perusal, induced roe to 
get a limited number of copies privately printed, solely 
for voluntary distribution. I have been also led by the 
circumstance of the marriage of this Lord and Lady 
Nithsdale’s great grandson, William Middelton, Esq. of 
Middelton and of Stockeld Park, in the County of York, 
with my paternal aunt, Clara Louisa Grace, to add a few 
genealogical memoranda of the houses of Maxwell and 
Herbert,* for which 1 am indebted to the collections of 

Winifred Herbert Countess of Nithsdale was the youngest 
daughter of William Duke and Marquis of Powis, who was descended 
from the same line of ancestry as the Earls of Pembroke, Mont¬ 
gomery, Torrington, and Caernarvon, and the Barons Herbert of 
Cherbury. The first Lord Powis was the grandson of the first 
Earl of Pembroke, and by the direct marriages of tiiis branch, and of 
its immediate progenitors, Lady Nithsdale was nearly allied to the 
noble houses of Beaufort, Sefton, Montague, Seaforth, Carrington, 

Waldegrave, Shrewsbury, Craven, Castlemain, Northumberland, 

Parr of Kendal, Berkeley, Stanley, Kent, Ferrers of Chartley, and 
Morley. 

William MAXWELL fifth Earl of Nithsdale, Lord Maxwell of 
Caerlaverock, Lord Eskdale, Carlyle, and Herries of Terregles, and 
hereditary Sheriff of Kirkcudbright, was head of one of the most 
ancient and powerful families in Scotland. The Earls of Dirleton 
and Faruham and the Barons Herries of Terregles were descended 
from younger branches. By the direct marriages of the line of 

Nithsdale he was nearly allied to the noble houses of Traquair, \j> 

Douglas, Angus, Huntley, Selkirk, Hamilton, Kcumure, Gourie, 

Lothian, Queensbury, Moretou, Herries, Annandale, Galloway, 

Forrester, Kirkcudbright, Cassils,and Bellew. Willielmina Maxwell, 
who was of this illustrious family, married John Campbell Lord 
Glenorchy, sou of John third Earl of Breadalbane, on whose death 
the peerage of Breadalbane devolved upon John the fourth Eail, 
whose second daughter, Lady Mary Campbell Marchioness of Chan- 
dos, married, in 1819, Richard Planiagenet Grenville, Marquis of 
Chandos, only son of Richard Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, 

K.G., and of Anna Eliza daughter and sole heir of James Brydges 
third and last Duke of Chandos, by his second wife Anna Eliza, 
sister of Sir Richard Gamon, Bart., M P. for Winchester, and 
daughter of Richard Gamon, Esq. and of Elizabeth only child of 
John Grace, of the Grange, Esq. 

c 


10 


my talented and amiable friend Robert Benson, of 
Salisbury, Esq. with whose interesting and beautifully 
illustrated “ Sketches of Corsica,” most readers of taste 
are acquainted. 

After contemplating the actions of renowned person¬ 
ages, the mind looks by an easy and natural transition 
for some account of their families. The porcelain vase 
requires a superior clay to that which forms the tile 
or brick-bat; and Lady Nithsdale’s virtues were probably 
owing to the mould of true mental nobility in which 
they were cast by the example and precepts of her 
illustrious progenitors. 


SHEFFIELD GRACE. 


London , 

January 27, 1827. 


A Letter from Winifred Herbert Countess of Nithsdale 
to her sister, the Lady Lucy Herbert, Abbess of the 
English Augustine Nuns, at Bruges, containing a 
circumstantial account of the escape of her husband, 
William Maxwell fifth Earl of Nithsdale, from the Tower 
of London, on Friday, the 23d of February, 1716. 


“Dear Sister, 

My lord’s escape is now such an old story that 
I have almost forgotten it: but since you desire me to 
give you a circumstantial account of it, I will endeavour 
torecal it to my memory, and be as exact in the narration 
as I possibly can; for I owe you too many obligations 
to refuse you any thing that lies in my power to do. 
1 think I owe myself the justice to set out with the 
motives which influenced me to undertake so hazardous 
an attempt, which 1 despaired of thoroughly accomplish¬ 
ing, foreseeing a thousand obstacles, which never could 
be surmounted but by the most particular interposition 
of Divine Providence.* I confided in Almighty God, 
and trusted that he would not abandon me even when 
all human succours failed me. 

* This strong minded and admirable woman appears to have been as 
exemplary for unfeigned piety as she was for the uncompromising 
fulfilment of her duties as a wife aud a mother. Her faith was at 
once zealous and rational. She “confided,” she says, “toAlmighty 
God, and trusted that he would not abandon her, even when all 
human succours failed,” but at the same time she availed herself 
of every suitable means she could command to accomplish her pious 
undertaking. Other trying circumstances in the progress of this 
fearful business twice again call forth similar sentiments. The 
truest faith and humblest dependance on the Diviue Will are quite 
consistent with our own most strenuous exertions, whether directed 


I first came to London upon hearing that my lord 
was committed to the Tower.* I was at the same time 
informed that he had expressed the greatest anxiety to 
see me, having, as he afterwards told me, nobody to 
console him till 1 came. I rode to Newcastle, and 
from thence took the stage to York. When I arrived 
there the snow was so deep that the stage could not 
set out for London. The season was so severe and the 
roads so extremely bad, that the post itself was stopped. 
However, 1 took horses and rode to London, though the 
snow was generally above the horses girths, and arrived 
safe without any accident. On my arrival I went 

to the performance of a duty, or to the attainment of a blessing. 
God, who knows the workings of the human heart with respect to 
the latter, has, in the warnings of conscience, given us an unerring 
guide iu the choice of means; and fallacious indeed are the 
religious views of that person, who, through an intentional dis¬ 
regard of acknowledged obligations of morality and honour, expects 
ever to possess real and abiding happiness. 

* Lord Nithsdale was brought prisoner to London on the 9th of 
January, 1715-16, and was condemned to be beheaded on the 24th of 
the following month, but escaped, as described in this letter, on the 
preceding evening. The Scotch Noblemen whose Peerages were 
attainted for their adherence on this occasion to the house of Stuart 
were, William Murray Marquess of Tullebardine, George Keith 
ninth Earl Marshal and Lord High Marshal of Scotland, John 
Erskine tenth Eail of Mar, William Maxwell fifth Earl of Nithsdale, 
George Seton fourth Earl of Winton, James Levingstorr fifth Earl 
of Linlithgow and Callender, James Drummond fourth Earl of 
Perth, William Mackenzie fifth Earl of Seaforth, James Carnegie 
fifth Earl of Southesk, James Ogilvy fourth Earl of Airly, Robert 
Dalziel sixth Earl of Carnwath, James Maul fourth Earl of Panmure, 
William Gordon sixth Viscount Kenmure, William Leviugstou 
second Viscount Kilsyth, John Sinclair eighth Lord Sinclair, Arthur 
Elphingston sixth Lord Bahnerino, Robert Balfour fifth Lord 
Burleigh, James Butler third Lord Dingwall and Duke of Ormonde 
in England, Kenneth Sutherland third Lord Duffus, and William 
Nairn second Lord Nairn. In England also the Peerages were 
attainted of James Butler second Duke of Ormonde, Henry Ratcliff 
third Earl of Derwentwater, Henry St. John first Viscount Boling- 
broke, aud William Widdrington fourth lord Widdrington. 


13 


immediately to make what interest 1 could among 
those who were in place. No one gave me any hopes, 
but they all to the contrary assured me that, although 
some of the prisoners were to be pardoned, yet my 
lord would certainly not be of the number. When I 
enquired into the reason of this distinction, 1 could 
obtain no other answer than that they would not flatter 
me. But I soon perceived the reasons which they 
declined alleging to me. A Roman Catholic upon the 
frontiers of Scotland who headed a very considerable 
party; a man whose family had always signalized itself 
by its loyalty to the royal house of Stuart, and who was 
the only support of the Catholics against the inveteracy 
of the Whigs, who were very numerous in that part of 
Scotland, would become an agreeable sacrifice to the 
opposite party. They still retained a lively remem¬ 
brance of his grandfather,* who defended his own castle 

* The grandfather of Lord Nithsdale was John Maxwell seventh 
Lord Herries of Ter regies, who succeeded to the Earldom of 
Nithsdale as third Earl on the death of his cousin Robert the second 
Earl, in 1667. But the gallant defender of Caerlaverock was Robert 
the first Earl, as appears by “ the articles of capitulation past 
betwixt Robert Earl of Nithsdale and Lieutenant-Colonel John 
Home, at the castle of Caerlaverock, the 26th day of September, 1640.” 
This Robert first Earl of Nithsdale died in 1644. The magnificent 
and interesting ruins of this celebrated castle stands nine miles 
from Dumfries on the North shore of the Solway Frith, between 
the confluence of the rivers Nith and Locher. It was at an early 
period the chief seat of the powerful family of Maxwell. Eugin 
Maxwell Lord of Karlaverok is in the list of Scottish chieftains, 
who accompanied King Malcolm to the siege of Alnwick, in 1097; 
and it continued in this noble house till, on the death of John sixth 
and last Earl of Nithsdale, in 1776, it passed, with his only daughter 
and heiress Lady Winifred Maxwell, in marriage to William 
Haggerston Constable, Esq. The form and situation of this truly 
baronial structure are particularly described in an ancient heraldic 
French poem, reciting the names and armorial bearings of the 
knights and barons who, in 1300, accompanied King Edward 1. in his 
expedition to Scotland by the Western Marches, of which the Lord 


14 


of Caerlaverock to the last extremity, and surrendered 
it up only at the express command of his royal master. 

Maxwell was Warden, when it was attacked and taken. The 
original is preserved in the British Museum, and is thus translated 
by Grose:— 

“ Karlaverok was a castle so strong that it did not fear a siege, 
therefore, on the King’s arrival, it refused to surrender; it being 
well furnished against sudden attempts, with soldiers, engines, and 
provision. Its figure was like that of a shield,* for it had only 
three sides, with a tower on each angle, one of them a jumellated 
or double one, so high, so long, and so spacious, that under it was 
the gate, with a turning or drawbridge, well made and strong, with 
a sufficiency of other defences. There were also good walls and 
deep moats filled to the brim with water. And it is my opinion, 
no one will ever see a castle more beautifully situated ; for at one 
view one might behold towards the west the Irish sea, towards the 
north a delightful country, encompassed by an arm of the sea, 
so that no creature born could approach it on two sides, without 
putting himself in danger from the sea; nor was it an easy matter 
towards the south, it beiug, as by the sea on the other side, there 
encircled by the river, woods, bogs, and trenches; wherefore the 
army was obliged to attack it on the east, where there was a mount.” 

The castle, after having been battered by all the warlike machines 
then in use, at length surrendered, when the remainder of the 
garrison, being only sixty iu number, were, on account of their 
gallant defence, taken into the King’s favour, and were not only 
pardoned and released, ransom free, but to each of them was given 
a new garment. 

Some time after its surrender it was retaken by the Scotch, and 
was in the possession of Sir Eustace Maxwell, a steady friend to 
King Robert Bruce. He held it against the English for mauy 
weeks, and at last obliged them to raise the siege; but lest it 
should afterwards fall into the hands of the enemies, he himself 
demolished all the fortifications of it; for which generous action 
King Robert Bruce nobly rewarded him with grants of several 
lands, pro fractione et prostratiune Castri de Cat lavero/c, 4c. 
He also remitted him and his heirs for ever, the sum of ten pounds 
sterling, which was payable to the Crown yearly out of the lands of 
Caerlaverock. 

* The ancient shields were triangular. It may not perhaps be generally 
known, that the reason they are commonly called “ heater ” shields, 
originated in their resemblance to the heaters used by women in ironing 
linen. 



15 


Now having his grandson in their power, they were 
determined not to let him escape from their hands. 

This castle, however, seems to have been again fortified, for in 
the year 1355, it was taken by Roger Kirkpatrick, and, as Major 
says, levelled with the ground. Probably it was never more 
repaired, but its materials employed to erect a new building. 
The frequent sieges and dismantlings it had undergone, might, in 
all likelihood, have injured its foundations. 

The precise time when the new castle was built is not ascer¬ 
tained ; but it must have been before the year 1425, in the reign 
of James I., from the appellation of Murdoc’s Tower, being given 
to the great round tower on the south-west angle, which it obtained 
from the circumstance of Murdoc, Duke of Albany, being confined 
in it that year: and this is further corroborated from the circum¬ 
stance of the Lord Robert Maxwell, who was slain at the battle of 
Bannockboum in 1448, being called ‘ the compleator of the battleing 
of Carlaverock.’ 

This noble castle again experienced the miseries of war, being, 
according to Camden in his annals, in the month of August, 1570, 
ruined by the Earl of Sussex, who was sent with an English army 
to support King James VI. after the murder of the Regent. The 
same author, in his Britannia, written about 1607, calls it a weak 
house of the Barons of Maxwell, whence it is probable that only 
the fortifications of this castle were demolished by Sussex; or, that 
if the whole was destroyed, only the mansion was rebuilt. 

The fortifications of this place were, it is said, ouce more rein¬ 
stated in 1638, by Robert Maxwell the eighth Lord Maxwell of 
Caerlaverock, who was created Earl of Nithsdale in 1620. During 
the troubles under Charles I. its illustrious and opulent owner 
most nobly supported the cause of the house of Stuart, in which 
he expended nearly the whole of his princely fortune: nor did he 
lay down his arms till, iu 1640, he received the King’s letters, 
directing and authorizing him to deliver up his castles of Caerlave¬ 
rock and Thrieve on the best conditions he could obtain. In these 
castles the Earl maintained considerable garrisons, solely at his own 
expense. That of Caerlaverock, on its surrender, exceeded an 
hundred; and that of Thrieve eighty men, besides officers and 
attendants. The ordnance, arms, ammunition, clothing, and 
victuals, were also provided at his cost. 

This castle, like the old one, is triangular, with a tower on 
each angle, and surrounded by a vast wet ditch. The entrance is 
through a gate on the northernmost angle, machicollated and 
flanked by two circular towers. Over the arch of the gate is the crest 


1C 


Upon this I formed the resolution to attempt his 
escape, but opened my intention to nobody but my 
dear Evans.* In order to concert measures, I strongly 
solicited to be permitted to see my lord, which they 
refused to grant me, unless I would remain confined 

of the Maxwells, with the date of the last repairs; and this motto, 
“ 1 bid ye fair.” The residence of the family was on the east side, 
which measures 223 feet. It is most elegantly built, in the style 
of James VI. The height does not exceed three stories, and the 
doors aud window-cases are handsomely adorned with sculpture. 
Over those on the ground-floor are the coats of arms and initials 
of the Maxwells, and the different branches of that noble family. 
Representations of legendary tales are placed over the windows of 
the second floor, and fables from Ovid’s Metamorphoses are over 
those of the third. In the front is a handsome door-case leading to 
the great hall, which is 91 feet by 36. 

In addition to the circumstances already noticed, relating to the 
siege of this castle by King Edward I , it may be added, from the 
authority of the wardrobe accouut of the 28th of that King, 
published by the Society of Autiquaries, that he was here in the 
months of July, August, and November, 1300. But a collection of 
every recorded particular of any importance respecting Caerlaverock 
at this early period has been recently formed by Mr Harris Nicolas, 
whose interesting Memoirs of Lady Jaue Grey, and Life of Secretary 
Davison, and whose eminently useful work, entitled “ Notitia 
Historica,” containing Tables, Calendars, &c. &c. are well known to 
the literary world. The investigating mind of this gentleman is 
deeply imbued with a knowledge of personal and heraldic antiqui¬ 
ties; and the MS. alluded to in the British Museum “ Le seige de 
Kerlaverok,” or as it is more commonly called “the Roll of Caerla¬ 
verock,” appeared to him so very curious that he has determined on 
communicating it to the world. He informs me that this publication 
will be accompanied by a new translation, and engravings of all the 
banners, together with an historical and topographical account of 
the castle of Caerlaverock, and memoirs of each knight recorded to 
have been present at the siege. 

* Mrs. Evans appears to have been her own maid, and a deservedly 
confidential domestic, who we may suppose accompanied Lady 
Winifred Herbert from Wales, (of which couutry her name implies 
her to have been a native,) when she married the Earl of Nithsdale, 
and sett'ed in Scotland. 


17 


with him in the Tower. This I would not submit to, 
and alleged for excuse, that my health would not permit 
me to undergo the confinement. The real reason of 
my refusal was,- not to put it out of my power to 
accomplish my designs; however, by bribing the guards, 
I often contrived to see my lord, till the day upon which 
the prisoners were condemned. After that, for the last 
week we were allowed to see and take our leave of 
them. By the assistance of Evans, 1 had prepared every 
thing necessary to disguise my lord, but had the utmost 
difficulty to prevail upon him to make use of them. 
However, I at length succeeded by the help of Almighty 
God. On the 22d of February, which fell on a 
Thursday, our general Petition was presented to the 
House of Lords, the purport of which was, to interest 
the lords to intercede with his Majesty to pardon the 
prisoners. We were however disappointed, the day 
before the petition was to be presented, the Duke of 
St. Alban’s,* who had promised my Lady Derwent- 
waterf to present it, when it came to the point, failed in 
his word. However, as she was the only English Countess 
concerned, it was incumbent on her to have it presented. 

* Charles Beauclerk first Duke of St. Alban’s, K.G., son of Charles 
II. and of Mrs. Eleanor Gwin, married Diaua eldest daughter and 
coheir of Aubrey de Vere twentieth and last Earl of Oxford, he was 
born in 1670, and died in 1726. 

+ James Ratcliff third Earl of Derwentwater having combined 
with other noble adherents of the royal house of Stuart, in a 
fruitless attempt to restore the sou of King James II. to the throne 
of his ancestors, was takeu prisoner, tried by his Peers, found 
guilty, and beheaded on the 24th of February, 1715-16. He 
married Anna Maria eldest daughter of Sir John Webhe of 
Oldstock, Co. Wilts, and of Heythrop, Co. Gloucester, Bart, by 
Barbara second daughter and coheir of John first Lord Bellasyse of 
Worlaby. Sir John Webbe’s other daughters were Mary, married 
to James first Earl of Waldegrave; Barbara, to Authony sixth 
Viscount Montague ; and Winilred, to Sir Edward Hales, of Wood- 
church, in Kent, Bart. 

l) 


/ 


18 


We had but one day left before the execution, and the 
Duke still promised to present the petition, but, for 
fear he should fail, I engaged the Duke of Montrose,* 
to secure its being done by one or the other. I then 
went in company with most of the ladies of quality 
then in town to solicit the interest of the lords as they 
were going to the house. They all behaved to me with 
great civility, but particularly the Earl of Pembroke,f 

* James Graham first Duke and fourth Marquis of Montrose, who 
was a near relative of Lord Nithsdale’s, died January 7, 1741 2, 
having married Christian daughter of David Carnegie third Earl of 
Northesk. 

+ Thomas Herbert eighth Earl of Pembroke and fifth Earl of 
Montgomery, K.G., oh. 22d of January, 1732-3. Among the 
branches of this family may be also numbered the Earls of 
Torringtou and Caernarvon, and the Lords Herberts of Cher- 
bury, as well as William Herbert, Duke, Marquis, Earl, 
and Baron of Powis and Viscount Montgomery, who married 
Elizabeth daughter of Edward Somerset second Marquis of 
Worcester, and sister of Henry Somerset first Duke of Beaufort, 
K.G , whose second daughter Mary married James Butler second 
Duke of Ormonde, K.G. attainted in 1716. By this marriage the 
Duke of Powis had issue an only son William, who succeeded him 
as second Marquis of Powis, and five daughters, viz. Mary wife 
first of Richard eldest sou of Caryl Molyneux third Viscount 
Molyneux, great grandfather of Charles first Earl of Sefton, and 
2dly of Francis Browne fourth Viscount Montague. 2d. Frances 
wife of Kenneth Mackenzie fourth Earl of Seaforth, father of 
William the fifth Earl of Seaforth, attainted in 1716. 3d. Anne 

second wife of Francis Smith second Viscount Carrington. 4th. 
Lucy Abbess of the English Augustine Nuns at Bruges, to whom 
this letter is addressed. 5th. Winifred wife of William Maxwell 
fifth Earl of Nithsdale, and the writer hf this letter. William 
Herbert third Marquis of Powis (lying unmarried in 1748, the 
Marquisate of Powis became extinct, but his brother Lord Edward 
Herbert left an only child, Barbara the wife of Henry Arthur 
Herbert of Dolgeiog and Oakley Park, who was created Earl of 
Powis in 1748. By the death, in 1801, of this Earl’s only sou 
George Herbert second Earl of Powis, who never married, the 
title of Powis became again extinct, but his daughter and eventual 
sole heir Lady Henrietta Antonia Herbert becoming the wife of 


19 


who, though he desired me not to speak to him, yet he 
promised to employ his interest in my favour, and 
honourably kept his word, for he spoke very strongly 
in our behalf. The subject of tbe debate was, whether 
the king had the power to pardon those who had been 
condemned by Parliament; and it was chiefly owing to 
Lord Pembroke’s speech that it was carried in the 
affirmative. However, one of the lords stood up, and 
said that the house could only intercede for those of the 
prisoners who should approve themselves worthy of 
their intercession, but not for all ibem indiscriminately. 
This salvo quite blasted all my hopes, for I was assured 
that it was aimed at the exclusion of those who should 
refuse to subscribe to the petition, which was a thing 
I knew my lord would never submit to; nor, in fact, 
could 1 wish to preserve his life on those terms. As 
the motion had passed generally, I thought I could 
draw from it some advantage in favor of my design. 
Accordingly, I immediately left the House of Lords 
and hastened to the Tower, where, affecting an air of 
joy and satisfaction, I told the guards I passed by, that 
I came to bring joyful tidings to the prisoners; I 
desired them to lay aside their fears, for the petition 
had passed the house in their favor. I then gave them 
some money to drink to the Lords and his Majesty, 

Edward Clive second Lord Clive, the honours of this illustrious branch 
of the noble and truly ancient house of Herbert were once more revived 
by his elevation to the Earldom of Powis in 1804. Lord and Lady 
Powis have issue, Edward Viscount Clive married to Lucy daughter 
of James Graham third Duke of Montrose; Robert Henry Clive 
married to Harriet daughter of Other Hickman Windsor fifth 
Earl of Plymouth; Lady Harriet Antonia Clive wife of Sir 
Watkin Williams Wynn of Wynnstay, Co. Denbigh, Bart, son and 
heir of Sir Watkin W. Wynn and of Charlotte Grenville, sister 
of the late Marquis of Buckingham, and aunt to the present Duke 
of Buckingham and Chandos, K.G.; Lady Charlotte Florentia 
Clive wife #f Hugh Percy third Duke of Northumberland, K.G. 


20 


though it was but trifling, for I thought if I were too 
liberal on the occasion, they might suspect my designs, 
and that giving them something would gain their good 
will and services for the next day, which was the eve of 
execution. The next morning I could not go to the 
Tower, having so many things upon my hands to put 
in readiness; but in the evening, when all was ready, 
I sent for Mrs. Mills with whom I lodged, and acquainted 
her with my design of attempting my lord’s escape, 
as there was no prospect of his being pardoned, and 
that this was the last night before the execution. I 
told her that I had every thing in readiness, and that I 
trusted she would not refuse to accompany me, that 
my lord might pass for her. 1 pressed her to come 
immediately as we had no time to lose. At the same 
time I sent to Mrs. Morgan, then usually known by the 
name of Hilton, to whose acquaintance my dear Evans 
had introduced me, which I look upon as a very singular 
happiness. I immediately communicated my resolu¬ 
tions to her. She was of a very tall slender make, so 
I begged her to put under her own riding-hood one 
that I had prepared for Mrs. Mills, as she was to lend 
hers to my lord, that in coming out he might be taken 
for her. Mrs. Mills was then with child, so that she 
was not only of the same height, but nearly of the same 
size as my lord. When we were in the coach, I never 
ceased talking, that they might have no leisure to 
reflect. Their surprise and astonishment when I first 
opened my design to them had made them consent, 
without ever thinking of the consequences. On our 
arrival at the Tower, the first I introduced was Mrs. 
Morgan, (for I was only allowed to take in one at a 
time,) she brought in the cloaths that were to serve 
Mrs. Mills when she left her own behind her. When 
Mrs. Morgan had taken off what she had brought for 
my purpose, I conducted her back to the staircase, 



and in going, I begged her to send me my maid to 
dress me, that I was afraid of being too late to present 
my last petition that night if she did not come imme¬ 
diately. I dispatched her safe, and went partly down 
stairs to meet Mrs. Mills, who had the precaution to 
hold her handkerchief to her face, as is natural for a 
woman to do, when she is going to take her last farewell 
of a friend on the eve of his execution. I had, indeed, 
desired her to do so, that my lord might go out in the 
same manner. Her eyebrows were rather inclined to 
be sandy, and my lord’s were very dark and very thick; 
however, I had prepared some paint of the colour of 
her’s to disguise his with; I also brought an artificial 
head-dress of the same coloured hair as her’s, and I 
painted his face with white and his cheeks with rouge, 
to hide his long beard which he had not time to shave. 
All this provision I had before left in the Tower. The 
poor guards, whom my slight liberality the day before 
had endeared me to, let me go quietly out with my 
company, and were not so strictly on the watch as they 
usually had been, and the more so, as they were per¬ 
suaded, from what I had told them the day before, that 
the prisoners would obtain their pardon. I made Mrs. 
Mills take off her own hood and put on that which I 
had brought for her; I then took her by the hand 
and led her out of my lord’s chamber, and in passing 
through the next room, in which were several people, 
with all concern imaginable, I said, “ My dear Mrs. 
Catharine, go in all haste and send me my waiting- 
maid, she certainly cannot reflect how late it is; I 
am to present my petition to-night, and if I let slip 
this opportunity I am undone, for to-morrow will be 
too late ; hasten her as much as possible, for I shall be 
on thorns till she comes.” Every body in the room, 
who were chiefly the guards’ wives and daughters, 
seemed to compassionate me exceedingly, and the sentinel 


22 


officiously opened me the door. When I had seen her 
safe out I returned to my lord, and finished dressing 
him. I had taken care that Mrs. Mills did not go out 
crying, as she came in, that my lord might better pass 
for the lady who came in crying and afflicted, and the 
more so, because he had the same dress which she w ore. 
When I had almost finished dressing my lord in all 
my petticoats except one, I perceived it was growing 
dark, and was afraid that the light of the candles might 
betray us, so I resolved to set off. I went out leading 
him by the hand, whilst he held his handkerchief to 
his eyes. I spoke to him iu the most piteous and 
afflicted tone of voice, bewailing bitterly the negligence 
of Evans, who had ruined me by her delay. Then 
said I, “ My dear Mrs. Betty, for the love of God 
run quickly, and bring her with you; you know my 
lodging, and if you ever made dispatch iu your life, 
do it at present; I am almost distracted with this 
disappointment.” The guards opened the door, and 
I went down stairs with him, still conjuring him to 
make all possible dispatch. As soon as he had cleared 
the door I made him walk before me, for fear the 
sentinel should take notice of his walk; but I still 
continued to press him to make all the dispatch he 
possibly could. At the bottom of the stairs I met 
my dear Evans, into whose hands I confided him 1 
had before engaged Mr. Mills to be in readiness before 
the Tower, to conduct him to some place of safety, 
in case we succeeded. He looked upon the affair as 
so very improbable to succeed, that his astonishment 
when he saw us, threw him into such a consternation 
that he was almost out of himself; which Evans 
perceiving, with the greatest presence of mind, without 
telling him any thing lest he should mistrust them, 
conducted him to some of her own friends on whom 
she could rely, and so secured him, without which, we 


23 


should have been undone. When she had conducted 
him and left him with them, she returned to Mr. Mills, 
who by this time had recovered himself from his 
astonishment. They went home together, and having 
found a place of security they conducted him to it. 
In the mean time, as I had pretended to have sent the 
young lady on a message, I was obliged to return 
up stairs, and go back to my lord’s room in the same 
feigned anxiety of being too late, so that every body 
seemed sincerely to sympathize in my distress. When 
I was in the room, I talked as if he had been really 
present: I answered my own questions in my lord’s 
voice as nearly as 1 could imitate it; I walked up and 
down as if we were conversing together, till I thought 
they had time enough thoroughly to clear themselves 
of the guards. I then thought proper to make off also. 
I opened the door, and stood half in it that those in the 
outward chamber might hear what I said, but held it 
so close that they could not look in. 1 bade my lord 
formal farewell for the night, and added, that something 
more than usual must have happened to make Evans 
negligent on this important occasion, who had always 
been so punctual in the smallest trifles ; that I saw no 
other remedy but to go in person: that if the Tower 
was still open, when I had finished my business, I would 
return that night; but that he might be assured I would 
be with him as early in the morning as I could gain 
admittance into the Tower, and I flattered myself I 
should bring more favourable news. Then, before I 
shut the door, I pulled through the string of the latch, 
so that it could only be opened in the inside. I then 
shut it with some degree of force, that I might be sure 
of its being well shut. I said to the servant as I 
passed by (who was ignorant of the whole transaction) 
that he need not carry in candles to his master, till my 
lord sent for them, as he desired to finish some prayers 


first. I went down stairs and called a coach, as there 
were several on the stand, and drove home to my own 
lodgings, where poor Mr. M‘Kenzie had been waiting 
to carry the petition, in case my attempt had failed. 
I told him there was no need of any petition, as my 
lord was safe out of the Tower, and out of the hands 
of his enemies as I supposed, but that I did not know 
where he was. I discharged the coach and sent for a 
sedan chair, and went to the Duchess of Buccleugh,* 
who expected me about that time, as I had begged of 

* Francis Scott Earl of Dalkeith, grandson of James Crofts Duke 
of Monmouth and Buccleugh, who was son of Charles II. and of 
Mrs. Lucy Walters, succeeded in 1732 to the Dukedom of 
Buccleugh on the death of his grandmother Anne Scott Duchess of 
Buccleugh, daughter and sole heir to Francis Scott second Earl of 
Buccleugh. He married Jane sister of Charles Douglas Duke of 
Queensbury aud Dover (who was fust cousin to the Earl of Niths- 
dale), and died in 1751. Henry Scott second son of James Duke of 
Monmouth and Buccleugh was created Earl of Deloraiue, and by 
his second wife, Mary Howard, aunt to John fifteenth Earl of 
Suffolk and eighth Earl of Berkshire, had issue Lady Georgiaua 
Caroline Scott, married in 1747 to James Peachey first Lord Selsey. 
By the death of Henry the fourth Earl in 1807, S.P., the line aud 
Peerage of Deloraine is now represented by Henry John Peachey 
third and present Lord Selsey, who, in 1817, married Anna Maria 
Louisa, youngest daughter of Frederic Irby second Lord Boston. 
Lord Deloraine’s other daughter Lady Henrietta, who married 
Nicholas Boyce, Esq. died in 1825-, S.P. and as her great grandfather 
K. Charles II. died in 1685, the extraordinary space of 140 years 
intervened between their respective deaths. I may here mention 
as another and more remarkable instance of an extended living link 
of connection with remote periods, that the Right Hon. Charles 
Bathurst, of Lydney Park, who, in 1823, resigned the high offices 
of Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and President of the 
Board of India Coutroul, informed me, that he has often conversed 
with Allen Bathurst the first Earl Bathurst, who conversed with 
Richard Cromwell, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England. 
Richard Cromwell was born one year after the death of James I., and 
Lord Bathurst deceased fifteen years after the accession of George Ilf. 
to the crown ; the former dying in 1712, aged eighty-six ; and the 
latter in 1775, aged ninety-one. 


25 


her to present the petition for me, having taken my 
precaution against all events. T asked if she was at 
home, and they answered me that she expected me, 
and had auother duchess with her. I refused to go up 
stairs as she had company with her, and 1 was not in a 
condition to see any other company. I begged to be 
shewn into a chamber below stairs, and that they would 
have the goodness to send her grace’s maid to me, 
having something to say to her. I had discharged the 
chair, lest I might be pursued and watched. When 
the maid came in I desired her to present my most 
humble respects to her grace, who they told me had 
company with her, and to acquaint her, that this was my 
only reason for not coming up stairs. I also charged 
her with my sincerest thanks for her kind offer to 
accompany me when I went to present my petition. 
1 added, that she might spare herself any further 
trouble, as it was judged more advisable to present 
one general petition in the name of all; however, that 
I would never be unmindful of my particular obligation 
to her grace, and which I should return very soon to 
acknowledge in person. I then desired one of the 
servants to call a chair, and I went to the Duchess 
of Montrose, who had always borne a part in my 
distresses. When I arrived, she left her company to 
deny herself, not being desirous to see me under the 
affliction which she judged me to be in. By mistake, 
however, I was admitted, so there was no remedy. 
She came to me, and as my heart was in an exstacy of 
joy, I expressed it in my countenance. As she entered 
the room, I ran up to her in the transport of my joy; 
she appeared to be extremely shocked and frightened, 
and has since confessed to me, that she apprehended 
my troubles had thrown me out of myself, till I com¬ 
municated my happiness to her. She then advised me 

E 


26 


to return, for that the king was highly displeased and 
even enraged at the petition l had presented to him, 
and had complained of it severely. I sent for another 
chair, for I always discharged them immediately, that 
I might not be pursued. Her grace said she would go 
to Court and see how the news of my lord’s escape was 
received. When the news was brought to the king, he 
flew into an excessive passion, and said he was betrayed, 
for it could not have been done without a confederacy. 
He instantly dispatched two persons to the Tower, to 
see that the other prisoners were well secured, lest 
they should follow the example. Some threw the blame 
on me, some upon another. The duchess was the only 
one at court that knew it. When I left the duchess 
I went to a house that Evans had found out for me, 
and where she promised to acquaint me where my 
lord was. She got thither some few minutes after me, 
and told me that when she had seen him secure she 
went in search of Mr. Mills, who by this time had 
recovered himself from his astonishment, that he had 
returned to his house where she found him, and that he 
had removed my lord from the first place where she 
had desired him to wait, to the house of a poor woman 
directly opposite the guard-house. She had but one 
small room up one pair of stairs, and a very small 
bed in it. We threw ourselves on the bed, that we 
might not be heard walking up and down. She left us 
a bottle of wine and some bread, and Mrs. Mills 
brought us some more in her pockets the next day. We 
subsisted on this provision from Thursday till Saturday 
night, when Mr. Mills came and conducted my lord to 
the Venetian Ambassador’s.* We did not communicate 

* Among the ministers from foreign states to England, the magni¬ 
ficence of the Venetian embassy was, at this period, only equalled 
by that of the French Venice continued to be for centuries as 


27 


the affair to his excellency, but one of his servants 
concealed him in his own room till Wednesday, on 

much “the superb" in all details of state as in the structure of 
her numberless palaces and churches, her canals, her bridges, and 
her fortresses. But now— 

-- ■ “ Venice, lost and won, 

Her thirteen hundred years of freedom done, 

Sinks like a sea-weed, into whence she rose 1" Byron. 

It is evident that the Ambassador’s residence was, in this instance, 
resorted to merely as an unsuspected place of concealment. Neither 
the persons nor the mansions of Ambassadors appear to have 
possessed the immunities from arrest and search in England which 
were awarded to them on the Continent. In 1716, Count Gyllenburg, 
the Minister to London from Charles XII. of Sweden, was seized, 
together with all his papers A similar measure had beeu previously 
contemplated against the Due d’Aumont, Ambassador from Louis 
XIV., who then resided at Powis house, the noble owner of that 
splendid mansion having accompanied the exiled royal family to 
St. Germains. The Duke, to secure his master’s secrets from pub¬ 
licity, instantly set fire to the house, on finding it surrounded by a 
body of military, and the whole edifice was burned to the ground) an 
action highly applauded by the French monarch. Powis-house stood 
in Great Ormonde-street. and covered the extensive space of ground, 
now occupied by the street denominated “ Powis Place,” together 
with the site of some of the houses in Great Ormonde Street, cm the 
west corner of Powis Place towards Queen’s Square. Pennant 
informs us, that this noble structure of the Marquis of Powis was 
rebuilt at the expence of the King of France. “The front,” he 
says, “was ornamented with fluted pilasters. On the top was a 
great reservoir, as a guard against fire, and it also served as a fish¬ 
pond.” But if the privileges claimed by this despotic and selfish 
monarch for his representative were disregarded in England, he was 
elsewhere as wantonly tenacious of them as he was base and cruel in his 
own atrocious outrages against the liberties and lives of the ministers 
of other sovereigns. It is stated in Lady Morgan’s work on Italy, 
that the assassinations in Rome having increased to a frightful extent, 
all the Courts of Europe, excepting that of Versailles, acquiesced 
in the Pope’s solicitation to abandon the lucrative right which the 
houses of their respective Ambassadors possessed, of being asylums 
for murderers. But Louis XIV so far from extinguishing the encou¬ 
ragement thus held out for crime, sent a retinue of a thousand men 
with his Ambassador, the Count de la Vardin, to more effectually 



28 

which day the Ambassador’s coach and six was to go down 
to Dover to meet his brother. My lord put on a livery, 
and went down in the retinue, without the least suspicion, 
to Dover; where Mr. Michel (which was the name of 
the Ambassador’s servant) hired a small vessel, and 
immediately set sail for Calais. The passage was so 
remarkably short that the Captain threw out this 
reflection, that the wind could not have served better 
if his passengers had been flying for their lives, little 
thinking it to be really the case. Mr. Michel might 
have easily returned, without suspicion of having been 
concerned in my lord’s escape; but my lord seemed 
inclined to have him with him, which he did, and he 
has at present a good place under our young master.* 

maintain this horrid privilege: a privilege which was equally 
enjoyed by all the Roman Princes and Cardinals. I quote from 
memory, as I am drawing up the accompanying remarks upon this 
letter, at the residence, in Herefordshire, of my valued friend Sir Edwin 
Scudamore Stanhope, Bart, whose library does not happen to contain 
Lady Morgan’s work. The outrages perpetrated by Louis against the 
representatives of other Princes were even more execrable than the 
privileges he asserted for his own. In the developement of the 
mystery of the man with the Iron Mask, by the Hon. George Agar 
Ellis, his public perfidy and personal unrelenting revenge are equally 
detestable. Ercolo Matthioli, prime minister of the Duke of 
Mantua, having received a French bribe, and hesitating to fulfil his 
traitorous contract, was seized, his face kept constantly concealed 
in an iron mask; and after suffering the cruelest treatment, by his 
express command, during thirty-four years of imprisonment, died in 
the Bastile at Paris, in 1703. These few facts, and the incidents 
arising from them, become a highly interesting narrative in the 
hands of Mr. Agar Ellis, whose good taste and extensive historical 
information are conspicuous throughout, and fully elucidate every 
dark and doubtful particular respecting an event which has so long 
furnished food for romantic conjecture. 

* Viz. James Francis Edward only surviving son of King James II. 
by the Princess Mary Beatrix Eleonora d’Este, daughter of Alonzo II. 
Duke of Modena. He was officially styled the “ pretended Prince 
of Wales” at the period of the revolution. In the year 1715, 


29 


This is an exact and as full an account of this affair, 
and of the persons concerned in it, as I could possibly 
give you, to the best of my memory, and you may rely 
upon the truth of it. For my part, l absconded to 
the house of a very honest man in Drury Lane, where 
I remained till I was assured of my lord’s safe arrival 
on the continent. I then wrote to the Duchess of 
Buecleugh (every body thought till then that I was 
gone off with my lord) to tell her I understood I was 
suspected of having contrived my lord’s escape, as was 
very natural to suppose; that if I could have been 
happy enough to have done it, I should be flattered to 
have the merit of it attributed to me, but that a bare 
suspicion, without proof, would never be a sufficient 
ground for my being punished for a supposed offence, 

he joined the adherents of his family in Scotland, and was denomi¬ 
nated by the Government of that day, the “ Pretender,” and the 
“ Chevalier de St. George.” On the deatli of his father in 1701, 
he was immediately acknowledged as King of England by the 
Sovereigns of France, Spain, and Portugal, and the Ambassadors of 
the first proclaimed him as King James III. in all the Courts of 
Europe with whom he was in alliance. He died in 1765, leaving 
issue, by the Princess Maria Clementina daughter of James eldest 
sou of John Sobieski, King of Poland, two sons, viz. 

1st. Charles Edward Stuart, styled by his adherents King Charles III . 
and Duke of Albany, and by the Government of England, the “ young 
Pretender" and the “ Chevalier de St. George.” By his wife, the 
Princess Louisa Maximienne daughter of Gustavus Adolphus 
Prince of Stolberg Guedern, (who is said to have married 2dly Count 
Victor Alfieri,) he had no issue, and dying in 1788, was succeeded in 
his pretensions and titles by his only brother. 

2d. Henry Benedict Stuart, styled by his adherents King Henry 
IX. and Cardinal of York, who died unmarried, and in him wholly 
terminated the line of King James II. The steps of the British 
visitor to Rome seldom fail to be arrested in traversing St. Peter’s, by 
the magnificent mausoleum executed by the immortal Canova, to the 
memory of these two concluding generations of the royal House of 
Stuart; on which are recorded, as their birtli-right, all the titles 
belonging to them as if really Kings of England. 


30 

* 

though it might be a motive sufficient for me to 
provide a place of security; so 1 entreated her to 
procure leave for me to go about my business. So far 
from granting my request they were resolved to secure 
me if possible. After several debates, Mr. Solicitor- 
General,* who was an utter stranger to me, had the 
humanity to say, that since I shewed such respect to 
Government as not to appear in public, it would be 
cruel to make any search after me. Upon which it was 
decided, that no further search should be made if I 
remained concealed; but that if I appeared either in 
England or in Scotland, I should be secured. But this 
was not sufficient for me, unless I could submit to 
see my son-f exposed to beggary. My lord sent for me 
up to town in such haste, that 1 had not time to 

* John Fortescue Aland, Esq. was appointed Solicitor-General 
on the 25th of December, 1715, in which office he was succeeded by 
Sir William Thompson, on the 6th of February, 1716. 

+ Lady Nithsdale’s only surviving child was John Lord Maxwell, 
styled sixth Earl of Nilhsdale on the death of his father William 
the fifth Earl at Rome in 1744. He married his first cousin 
Catharine third daughter of Charles Stewart fourth Earl of 
Traquair, by Mary daughter of Robert Maxwell fourth Earl of 
Nithsdale and sister of W'illiam the fifth Earl. By this marriage 
he had an only child, Lady Wiuifred Maxwell, to whom the barony 
of Heri ies of Terregles would have descended, but for the attainder of 
her grandfather in 1715) married to William Haggerston Constable, 
Esq. (second son of Sir Carnaby Haggerston, of Haggerston Castle, 
in the county of Northumberland, Bart) who assumed the name 
of Constable on inheriting the seat of Everingliam in Yorkshire, 
and other estates belonging to the family of his grandmother Anne 
Constable, and had issue two sons, viz. 

1st. Marmaduke William Constable Maxwell of Everingham, 
Terregles, and Caerlaverock, who assumed the name of Maxwell 
on inheriting from his mother Lady Winifred the estates of the 
house of Nithsdale. He died in 1821, having married Theresa 
daughter of George Wakeman, of Beckford, county Gloucester, Esq. 
by whom he had issue five sons and two daughters, viz. William 
Constable Maxwell, of Everingham, county York; Marmaduke 


31 


settle any thing before I left Scotland. I had in my 
hands all the family papers, and dared trust them to 
nobody. My house might have been searched without 
warning, consequently they were far from being secure 
there. In this distress I had the precaution to bury 
them in the ground, and nobody but myself and the 
gardener knew where they were. I did the same with 
other things of value. The event proved that I had 
acted prudently, tor after my departure they searched 
the house, and God only knows what might have 
transpired from those papers. All these circumstances 
rendered my presence absolutely necessary, otherwise 
they might have been lost, for though they retained the 
highest preservation after one very severe winter, 
for when I took them up they were as dry as if they 
came from the tire-side, yet they could not possibly 
have remained so much longer without prejudice. 
In short, as I had once exposed my life for the safety 
of the father, I could not do less than hazard it once 


Constable Maxwell, of Terregles and Caetlaverock, county Dumfries ; 
Peter Constable Maxwell; Henry Constable Maxwell; and Joseph 
Constable Maxwell: his two daughters were Mary wife of the 
Hon. Charles Stourtou Langdale fourth son of Charles sixteenth 
Lord Stourton; and Theresa wife of the Hon. Charles Everard 
Clifford, second sou of Charles seventh Lord Clifford. 

2d. William Constable Middelton the second son of William 
Haggerston Constable and Lady Winifred Maxwell, assumed the 
name of Middelton on inheriting the seats of Stockehl and Mid¬ 
delton, in Yorkshire, being the estates of the family of his 
grandmother Elizabeth Middelton. He married Clara Louisa only 
daughter of William Grace, Esq. second son of Michael Grace, 
of Gracefield, sister of the late Richard Grace, of Boley, Esq. M.P., 
and aunt to the present Sir William Grace, Bart. By this 
marriage he has issue living two sons and one daughter, viz. Peter 
Middelton, of Stockeld Park, married to Juliana third daughter 
of Charles sixteenth Lord Stourton; Francis Middelton, married to 
the daughter and heir of James Taylor, of Co. Lancaster, Esq. and 
Barbara Clara Middelton. 


k 


32 


more for the fortune of the son. I had never travelled 
on horseback hut from York to London, as I told you, 
but the difficulties did not arise now from the severity 
of the season, but the fear of being discovered and 
arrested. To avoid this, I bought three saddle horses, 
and set off with my dear Evans, and a very trusty 
servant whom I brought with me out of Scotland. 
We put up at all the smallest inns on the road that 
could take in a few horses, and where I thought I was 
not known, for I was thoroughly known at all the 
considerable inns on the northern road. Thus I arrived 
safe at Traquhair,* where I thought myself secure, 

* This ancient structure which continues to he still the residence 
of the noble family of Traquair is situated four miles from the town 
of Peebles, and twenty-two south of Edinburgh. Lady Mary 
Maxwell, wife of Charles Stewart, fourth Earl of Traquair, who 
died in 1741, was the only sister of Lord Nithsdale, their father 
Robert fourth Earl of Nithsdale, having married Lucy fifth daughter 
of William Douglas first Marquis and sixteenth Earl of Douglas, 
by his second wife, Mary, daughter of George Gordon first 
Marquis of Huntley. Lucy Douglas Countess of Nithsdale, was 
whole sister to William Douglas created Duke of Hamilton, 
and to George Douglas created Earl of Dumbarton, and half- 
sister to Archibald Douglas Earl of Angus, grandfather of the 
third Marquis and first Duke of Douglas. She was also whole 
sister to Henrietta, the wife of James Johnson second Earl of 
Annandale, to Isabella the wife of William Douglas first Duke of 
Queensbury, and to Jane the wife of James Drummond fourth Earl 
of Perth, attainted in 1715. William Douglas, abovementioned, 
(the whole brother of Lady Nithsdale) was, as here stated, a younger 
son of the first Marquis of Douglas, but having married Anne daugh¬ 
ter and sole heir of the ducal house of Hamilton, he thereupon 
assumed her sirname, and was created Duke of Hamilton in 1661. 
From him descended the succeeding Dukes of Hamilton and the 
Earls of Selkirk and of Orkney, who are, consequently, by maternal 
descent only, of the house of Hamilton. The representative there¬ 
fore of the illustrious name of Hamilton, in the paternal line, is the 
Marq. of Abercorn ; and the following noble branches of this family 
claim in like manner an affinity with their common ancestor through 
a direct mule succession, viz. the Lords Haddington, Boyne, and 
Belhaven ; Admiral Sir Charles Hamilton, of the Mount, a Baronet, 


33 


for the Lieutenant of the County being a friend of my 
lord’s, would not permit any search to be made after 
me without sending me previous notice to abscond. 
Here I had the assurance to rest myself for two whole 
days, pretending that I was going to my own house 
with leave from Government. I sent no notice to my 
house, that the Magistrates of Dumfries might not 
make too narrow enquiries about me. So they were 
ignorant of my arrival in the country till I was at 
home, where I still feigned to have permission to 
remain. To carry on the deceit the better, l sent to 
all my neighbours and invited them to come to my 
house.* I took up my papers at night, and sent them 

of 1776, who has on various occasions in his naval capacity, during 
the late war, very highly distinguished himself; and General Sir 
John Hamilton, of Woodbrook, a Baronet of 1815, and K.T.S., whose 
enthusiastic love for his profession, and practical knowledge of all its 
parts, have rendered his military career in the Duke of Wellington’s 
Asiatic and European Campaigns, not more honorable to himself 
than beneficial to his Country. 

* The magnificent castles of Caerlaverock and Thrieve belonging 
to this illustrious family were utterly ruined, after being besieged 
and taken by the republican army, in 1640, and the house here 
alluded to is doubtless Terregles, situated in the district of Niths- 
dale, and distant three miles from the town of Dumfries, and sixty 
south of Edinburgh. Terregles was a mansion of the Lords 
Herries, and passed in marriage with Agues eldest daughter and 
coheir of William Herries third Lord Herries of Terregles to Sir 
John Maxwell, a younger sou of Robert fourth Lord Maxwell 
of Caerlaverock. By this marriage the Peerage of Herries, being a 
Barony in fee, became vested in the house of Maxwell. Their great 
grandson, John Maxwell seventh Lord Herries of Terregles, 
succeeded in 1667 to the Earldom of Withsdale, &c. on the death 
of his cousin Robert the second Earl. The ancient family of 
Herries was one of the most powerful of the border Chieftains. 
Hodham Castle, also in Dumfriesshire, was erected in 1437, by John 
Lord Herries, who likewise constructed the celebrated watch-tower 
of Trailtrow, or as it is more popularly denominated, the “ Tower 
of Repentance,” which has given rise to many romantic stories. 

F 


34 


off to Traquhair. It was a particular stroke of 
providence that I made the dispatch I did, for they 
soon suspected me, and by a very favorable accident, one 
of them was overheard to say to the Magistrates of 
Dumfj •ies, that the next day they would insist on 
seeing my leave from Government. This was bruited 
about, and when I was told of it, I expressed my 
surprise that they should be so backward in coming 
to pay their respects; but, said I, “better late than 
never, be sure to tell them that they shall be welcome 
whenever they chuse to come.” This was after dinner, 
but I lost no time to put every thing in readiness with 
all possible secrecy; and the next morning, before 
day-break, 1 set off again for London with the same 
attendants, and as before put up at the smallest inns, 
and arrived safe once more. 

On my arrival, the report was still fresh of my journey 
into Scotland, in defiance of their prohibition. 

A lady informed me, that the king was extremely 
incensed at the news. That he had issued orders 
to have me arrested; adding, that I did whatever I 
pleased in despite of all his designs, and that I had 
given him more trouble and anxiety than any other 
woman in Europe. For which reason I kept myself 
as closely concealed as possible, till the heat of these 
reports had abated. In the mean while I took the 
opinion of a very famous lawyer, who was a man of 
the strictest probity. He advised me to go off as soon 
as they had ceased searching after me. I followed his 
advice, and about a fortnight after escaped without any 
accident whatever. The reason he alleged for his 
opinion was this, that although in other circumstances, 
a wife cannot be prosecuted for saving her husband, 
yet in cases of high-treason, according to the rigour of 
the law, the head of the wife is responsible for that 


35 


of the husband; and as the king was so highly incensed 
there could be no answering for the consequences, and 
he therefore entreated me to leave the kingdom. The 
king’s resentment was greatly increased by the petition 
which I presented, contrary to his express orders. But 
my lord was very anxious that a petition might be 
presented, hoping that it would be at least serviceable 
to me. I was in my own mind convinced that it would 
be to no purpose, but as I wished to please my lord, 
I desired him to have it drawn up, and I undertook 
to make it come to the king’s hand, notwithstanding 
all the precautions he had taken to avoid it. So the 
first day that I heard the king was to go to the drawing¬ 
room, I dressed myself in black, as if I was in mourning. 
I sent for Mrs. Morgan (the same who accompanied me 
to the Tower) because as I did not know his Majesty 
personally, I might have mistaken some other person 
for him. She stood by me and told me when he was 
coming. I had also another lady with me, and we 
three remained in a room between the king’s apartments 
and the drawing-room : so that he was obliged to go 
through it, and as there were three windows in it, we 
sat in the middle one, that I might have time enough 
to meet him before he could pass. I threw myself at his 
feet, and told him, in French, that I was the unfor¬ 
tunate Countess of Nithsdale, that he might not 
pretend to be ignorant of my person. But perceiving 
that he wanted to go off, without receiving my petition, 
I caught hold of the skirts of his coal, that he might 
stop and hear me He endeavoured to escape out of my 
hands, but I kept such strong hold that he dragged 
roe from the middle of the room to the door of the 
drawing-room. At last one of the blue-ribbands, who 
attended his Majesty, took me round the waist, whilst 
another wrested the coat out of my hands The 


36 


petition, which I had endeavoured to thrust into his 
pocket, fell down in the scuffle, and I almost fainted 
through grief and disappointment. One of the gen¬ 
tlemen in waiting took the petition, and as I knew 
that it ought to have been given to the Lord of the 
Bedchamber who was then in waiting, I wrote to him, 
and entreated him to do me the favour to read the 
petition which I had had the honour to present to his 
Majesty. 

Fortunately for me it happened to be my Lord 
Dorset,* with whom Mrs. Morgan was very intimate. 
Accordingly, she went into the drawing-room and 
presented him a letter, which he received very graciously. 
He could not read it then, as he was at cards with the 
Prince, but as soon as the game was over he read it; 
and behaved, as I afterwards learnt, with the greatest 
zeal for my interest, and was seconded by the Duke of 
Montrose, who had seen me in the antichamber and 
wanted to speak to me, but I made him a sign not to 
come near me, lest his acquaintance should thwart my 

* Lionel Cranfield Sackville seventh Earl and first Duke of 
Dorset, K.G., died in 1765, having married Elizabeth daughter of 
Lieutenant-General Colyear, brother of David first Earl of Portmore, 
whose wife was Catharine Sedley Countess of Dorchester, the 
mother, by King James 11. of Lady Catharine Daruley, married in 
1705 to John Sheffield first Duke of Buckingham and Normanby, 
K.G., and mother of Edmund Sheffield the second and last Duke, 
on whose death, in 1735, the families of Grace of Courtstown and 
Grace of Gracefieid, became the sole representatives of the line of 
Sheffield, and inherited, as coheirs at law, the several undevised 
estates belonging to the Duke of Bucks, in Sussex, Middlesex, 
and Yorkshire. The descent of all the branches, and an accouut 
of all the collateral alliances of the ducal house of Sheffield, 
together with many unpublished biographical particulars, are to 
be found dispersedly in the “ Memoirs of the Family of Grace,” 
1823; in the “Survey of Tullaroan or Grace’s Parish,” 1819; and 
in the “ Descriptive Sketch of the Grace Mausoleum,” 1819; 
three privately printed works, written by Sheffield Grace, F.S.A., 
brother of Sir William Grace, Bart. 


37 


designs. But it became the topic of their conversation 
the rest of the evening, and the harshness with which 
I had been treated soon spread abroad, not much to the 
honour of the King. Many people reflected that they 
had themselves presented petitions, and that he had 
never rejected any even from the most indigent objects. 
But this behaviour to a person of quality, was a strong 
instance of brutality. These reflections which circulated 
about, raised the king to the highest pitch of hatred 
and indignation against my person, as he has since 
allowed; for when the ladies, whose husbands had been 
concerned in this affair, presented their petitions for 
dower, mine was presented among the rest, but the 
king said, I was not entitled to the same privilege, and 
in fact I was excluded $ and it is remarkable, that he 
would never suffer my name to be mentioned. For 
these reasons every body judged it prudent for me to 
leave the kingdom ; for so long as this hatred of the 
king subsisted I could not be safe, and, as it was not 
probable that I could escape falling into his hands, I 
accordingly went. 

This is the full narrative of what you desired, and 
of all the transactions which passed relative to this 
affair. Nobody besides yourself could have obtained 
it from me j but the obligations I owe you, throw me 
under the necessity of refusing you nothing that is in 
my power to do. As this is for yourself alone, your 
indulgence will excuse all the faults which must occur 
in this long recital. The truth you may however depend 
upon, attend to that, and overlook all deficiencies. My 
lord desires you to be assured of his sincere friendship. 

1 am, with strongest attachment, 

My dear Sister, 

Your’s, most affectionately, 


WINIFRED NITHSDALE. 


DESCENT OF WILLIAM MAXWELL FIFTH EARL OF NITHSDALE 




Robert Maxwell, 4 Lord MAXWELL, of Caer- 
laverock, hereditary Sheriff of Kirkcud¬ 
bright, and guardian of the W. Marches, 
ob. 1546. 


= Janet, d. of Will. 6 Lord Douglas of Drura- 
lanrig, ancestor to the D. of Queensbury 
and Dover. 


f 

Robert 5 Lord Maxwell of 
Caerlaverock, Co. Dumfries, 
guardian of the W. Marches, 
ob. 1552. 


I- 

John 6 Lord Maxwell, created 
in 1581, E. of Moreton, guard, 
of the W. Marches, ob. 1593. 


: Beatrix, sister of David Dou- 

f las, 13 E. of Douglas, and 7 
. of Angus, and of Janies E. 
of Moreton, beheaded in 1581. 


: Elizabeth, daugh. of David 
Douglas 13 E. of Douglas and 
7 E. of Angus. 


Sir John Maxwell 4 Lord=f Agnes, eld. d. and h. to Will 


Herries of Terregles, jure 
uxoris, 2d. son, ob. ante 1594. 


Herries 3 Lord Herries of 
Terregles, Co. Dumfries : 1 

wife. 


Sir William Maxwell 5 Lord—Katharine, sist. of Mark Kerr 
Herries of Terregles, ob. 1604. 1 E. of Lothian. 


I- 

John 7 Lord Maxwell,attaint¬ 
ed and beheaded S.P., in 
1613, having mar. Marg. d. 
of John 1 M. of Hamilton 
and D. of Chatelherault. 


Robert 8 Lord Maxwell, crea¬ 
ted in 1620 E. of Nithsdale 
and Lord Maxwell, Eskdale, 
and Carlyle, with precedence 
from his father Earldom of 
Moreton in 1581, ob. 1644, 
having mar. Eliz. d. of Sir 
Fran. Beaumont, a near rela¬ 
tive of Geo. Villiers D. of 
Bucks. 


1 


Elizabeth, eld. dau. of John—John Maxwell 6 Lord Herries 


6 Lord Maxwell, created E. 
of Moreton in 1581, ob. 1627. 


I 

John Maxwell 7 Lord Herries 
and 3 E. of Nithsdale, &c. on 
the death of Robert 2 Earl, 
in 1667. 


of Terregles, ob. circa 1627. 


: E!izabeth, sister of John Gor¬ 
don 1st Viscount Kenmure. 


Robert Maxwell 2 E. of Nithsdale and 9 
Lord Maxwell of Caerlaverodk, and also 
Lord Eskdale and Carlyle, and hereditary 
Sheriff of Kirkcudbright, ob. inupt. 1667, 
and was succeeded by his cousin John 
Maxwell 7 Lord Herries. James Maxwell, 
created E. of Dirleton in 1646 ; and Robert 
Maxwell, created E. of Farnham in 1763 , 
were descended from younger branches of 
this noble house. 


Robert Maxwell, 4 E. of Niths-V'Lucy, d. of William Douglas 
dale, &c. ob. 1695. 17 E. and 1 Marq. of Douglas. 


r 


r 


WILLIAM MAXWELL, 5 E.=WINIFRED HERBERT, 5 th 
of Nithsdale, &c. escaped and youngest dau. of William 
from the Tower on the 23d 1 Marq. of Powis. The writer 

of February, 1716, being the of the preceding letter, ob. 
night before his intended exe- at Rome, 1749. 
cution, &c ob. at Rome in 1744 


Michael Giace, of Gracefield, 
in the Queen’s Co. inherited 
as co-heir at law, the unde¬ 
vised estates of Edmund Shef¬ 
field 2 D. of Buckingham and 
Normanby, ob. 1760. 


r 


:Mary, d. of John Galway, of 
Lota-house, and of Elizabeth, 
sister of Sir John Meade, 
whose grandson was created 
E. of Clanwilliam, in 1776 , 
ob. 1736. 


1 


I 

John Maxwell, by descent, 6 
E. of Nithsdale, "Lord Max¬ 
well of Caerlaverock, Lord 
Eskdale & Carlyle, & Ld. Her¬ 
ries of Te 1 regies, and heredi¬ 
tary Sheriff of Kirkcudbright, 
&c. ob. in London, 1776. 

I- 


■Catharine, daugh. of Charles 
Stewart 4 E. of Traquair, and 
of Mary, only sister of Wil¬ 
liam Maxwell 5 E. of Niths¬ 
dale, ob. 1773. 


Oliver Grace, of Gracefield, 
ob. 1781 , leaving issue by Ma¬ 
ry, d. & h. of John Dowell, of 
Mantua H., Michael, of Grace- 
field, &John, of Mantua House. 


W'illiam Grace, resided chief¬ 
ly at St. Germains, ob. 1777 , 
having married Mary, d. and 
h. of Rich. Harford, of Marsh¬ 
field. 


Lady Winifred Maxwell, only = Will. Haggerston Constable, 


child, and by descent Baro¬ 
ness Herries of Terregles, ob. 
at Terregles, 1801. 


of Everingham, Co. Ebor, 2 d. 
son of Sir Carnaby Hagger¬ 
ston, Bart. ob. 1797. 


I- 

Richard Grace, of Bo!ey,in the Queen’s 
Co. M.P., heir to the Baronetage of 
Sir Rich. Gamon, Bart. M.P. ob. 1801, 
having mar. Jane, d. of the Hon. John 
Evans, son of George 1 Lord Carbery. 


I ._ 

-“I 1 

William Constable, of Stockeld Park, 
2d son assumed the name of Middelton, 
and inherited the Middelton estates. 
He mar. Clara Louisa Grace, only dau. 
of William Grace, Esq. 


Marmaduke William Constable, of 
Everingham Park, 1 st son, assumed the 
name of Maxwell, and inherited the 
Nithsdale estates, ob. 1821, having mar. 
Theresa, d. of Geo. W'akemau, Esq. 


Sir William Grace, Bart. 
Sheffield Grace, of Lincoln’s 
Inn, F.S.A. 

PercyGrace,aCapt. in the R.N. 
Jane, wife of Geo. F. Brooke, 
Esq. brother of Sir Henry 
Brooke, of Colebrooke, Bt. 
Louisa Caroline Grace. 


Peter Middelton, of Stockeld 
Park, mar. Juliana, d. of 
Charles 16 Lord Stourton. 

Francis Middelton, mar. the 
d. & h. of James Taylor, 
of Co. Lancaster, Esq. 

Barbara Clara Middelton. 


William Constable Maxwell, 
of Everingham, Co. Ehor.& 
Caerlaverock, Co. Dumf. 
Marmaduke Constable Max¬ 
well, ofTerregles, Co. Dumf. 
Peter Constable Maxwell! 
Henry Constable Maxwell. 
Joseph Constable Maxwell. 


Mary, wife of Charles Lang- 
dale, 4th son of Charles 16 
Lord Stourton. 

Theresa, wife of Charles, 2 d. 
son of Charles 7 Lord 
Clifford. 


ARMORIAL BEARINGS OF THE EARLS OF NITHSDALE. 

Argent, an Imperial Eagle displayed sable, beaked and membered gules; surmounted by a shield of the 1 st., charged 
with a saltire of the 2d., and thereon a Hedgehog, or : which shield contains the arms of the Lords Herries. Crest— On a 
wreath, a mount and hollybush, and a stag lodged or couchant, all proper. Supporters —Two stags of the latter. Motto — 
Reviresco. 








































DESCENT OF WINIFRED HERBERT COUNTESS OF NITHSDALE. 


Sir Richard Herbert, of Ewyas, S. Wales. =Margaret, d. and h. of Sir Rich. Cradock, 

1 of Swansea, S.W. 


William Herbert, created E.=Anne, dan. of Thomas Lord 
o(Pembroke xn 1551, ob. 1569. Parr, of Kendall, aud sister 

of Queen Catharine Parr. 


Richard Herbert, of Coldbrok, Co. Monm,, whose grandson 
Richard, had two sons, Edward, created Lord Herbert, of 
Cherbury, in 1629, and Charles, ancestor to Arthur Herbert, 
created E. of Torrington, in 1689. 


Sir Edward Herbert, 2 d son—Margaret, d. and h. of Sir 
of Powis Cas. Co- Mnnf-O. e o.__.— 

ob. 1594. 


Montg. 


Sir William Herbert, K.B., 
1st son, created 1630, Lord 
Powis of Powis Cas., ob. 1655. 


1 - 

Sir Percy Herbert 2 Lord 1 
Powis, created a Baronet in 
1622, ob. 1666. 


I- 

William Herbert 3 Lord Powis, 
created in 1667 Marq. of Powis, 
and in 1689 Duke of Powis at 
St.Germain6,where he ob.1696. 


Thomas Stanley, of Stanton, 
Co. Herts. 


: Eleanor, 3d daugh. of Henry 
Percy 8 Earl of Northumber¬ 
land, ob. 1651. 


Elizabeth, dau. of Sir Will. 
Craven, and sister of Will. E. 
of Craven. 


rElizabeth, sister of Henry 
Somerset, 1 Duke of Beau¬ 
fort, ob. at St. Germains in 
1692. 


Henry Herbert, 2d E. of Pembroke, from whom the succeed¬ 
ing Earls of Pembroke, Montgomery, and Caernarvon, are 
descended. 


William Herbert, 2d Marquis =Mary, dau. of Sir Thomas 


of Powis, &c. restored to the 
Marquisate of Powis in 1722. 


Preston, of Furness, Co. Lane. 
Bar. ob. 1724 . 


LUCY HERBERT, 4th dau. 
Abbess of the Augustine Nuns, 
at Bruges, to whom the pre¬ 
ceding letter is addressed. 


„ Ml 

Mary, 1st d., wife of Francis 
Browne 4 Vise. Montague. 
Frances, 2 d. wife of Kenneth 
Mackenzie, 4 E. of Seaforth. 
Anne, 3 dau., wife of Francis 
Smith, 2 Vise. Carrington. 


Lord Edward Herbert, only =Henrietta, only d. of James I. 

-ofP‘- : - " - 


brother of the 3 M. 
ob. 1734. 


’owis 


E. of Waldegrave, K.G., ob. 
1753. 


William Herbert, 3d Marquis 
of Powis, ob. ccelebs 1747. 


-1 

Anne, 2d. wife of Henry 6 
Lord Arundel of Wardour. 


1 

Henry Arthur Herbert, of—Barbara Herbert, only child 
Dolgeiog and Oakley Park, and sole heir to her uncle 
created E. of Powis in 1748, Will. 3 and last Marq. of 
ob. 1772. Powis. 


Edward Clive, 2 Lord Clive,= Henrietta Antonia Herbert, 


created E. of Powis in 1804. 


only dau. mar. in 1784. 


George Edward Herbert, 2 E. 
of Powis, ob. ccelebs 1801. 


Edward Clive, Viscount Clive, Robert Henry Clive, mar. in 
mar. in 1816, Lucy, 3d dau. of 1819, Harriet, d. of Other 
James Graham, 3 Duke of Hickman Windsor, 5 E. of 
Montrose. Plymouth. 


-j-1 

Harriet Antonia, wife of Charlotte Florentia, wife of 
Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Hugh Percy, 3 Duke of Nor- 
of Wynnstay, Co. Denbigh, thuinberlaud, K.G. 

Bart. 


ARMORIAL BEARINGS OF THE MARQUISSES OF POWIS. 


Party per pale, azure and gules, three lions rampant, argent. Crest— On a wreath a wyvern with wings expanded, 
vert, its ducal collar and chain or, and in its mouth a sinister hand coup’d at the wrist, gules. Supporters —On the dexter 
side, a panther guardant, argent, spotted of various colours, with fire issuing out of his mouth and ears, proper, and gorged 
with a ducal coronet, azure. On the sinister, a lion guardant, argent, gorged with a ducal coronet, gules. Motto— Ung 
je serviray. 






























‘ 

































































4 t * 






























- 










■ 

. 













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4 






















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































